Staff set high standards for themselves and their students at South Cheshire College. Originally founded in 1843, the organisation meets a wide range of educational needs for learners aged 14 years and older. Working in partnership with the Local Learning and Skills Council and the borough council, it has developed a full-time programme aimed at pupils from schools with low post-16 participation rates. The college, with its strong commitment to widening participation and social inclusion, also provides training and development for employees from public sector bodies and voluntary organisations. The emphasis for adult learners is on IT, literacy and numeracy, and there is help for those with learning difficulties and disabilities. On-site facilities for staff and students alike include a restaurant, theatre, hair, beauty and holistic salons, as well as full daycare available for children up to four, plus out-of-school and holiday clubs for those up to 11 years old. Employees are pleased with the organisation's direction, returning a 76% positive score in our survey as to feeling excited about where it is headed, believing it is run on strong principles (also 76%) and being proud to work here (82%). Promoting communication is at the heart of the college ethos. Dr David Collins, the principal, meets all new employees and invites everyone to participate in monthly focus groups. Collins also has walkabouts and is on first-name terms with staff and students alike. The workforce say he runs the college on sound moral principles (75%) and have faith in his leadership (78%). Training and development opportunities are offered and team-building events include mountain biking, orienteering and some pampering. Employees say colleagues are fun to work with, go out of their way to help and that they are confident in the abilities of team-mates (all 80%). They find the work good for their personal growth as well as stimulating (both 77%), feel their jobs are secure (82%) and would recommend the organisation to others (80%).
